Florida has witnessed three hurricanes make landfall in November since records began: an unnamed hurricane in 1935, Hurricane Kate in 1985, and Hurricane Nicole in 2022. Current trends indicate warmer ocean temperatures could lead to more November storms, as evidenced by the potential impact of Hurricane Sara.
In November, Florida has experienced just three hurricanes making landfall throughout the recorded history of hurricanes: an unnamed storm in 1935, Hurricane Kate in 1985, and Hurricane Nicole in 2022. As climate patterns evolve, anomalies such as warmer ocean temperatures can disrupt the traditional seasonal patterns, allowing hurricanes to form late in the year. Recently, predictions indicate the potential for Hurricane Sara to further increase these unprecedented numbers. Typically, by November, ocean temperatures decrease, making conditions less favorable for hurricane formation. This year, however, oceanic heat content remains unusually high. “Total oceanic heat content of the Gulf has slightly increased in the last three weeks,” mentioned Ryan Truchelut, a meteorologist from WeatherTiger, highlighting concerns regarding ongoing conditions conducive to tropical development. Hurricane Nicole, which made landfall on November 10, 2022, as a Category 1 storm causing significant damage, marked the last of the three November hurricanes. Hurricane Kate achieved Category 3 strength before landfall on November 22, 1985, while the Yankee hurricane struck on November 4, 1935, reaching a Category 2 status. In addition to landfall hurricanes in November, various tropical storms have impacted Florida, with some storms undergoing significant weakening prior to landfall. Notably, Hurricane Eta reached Category 5 intensity but impacted Florida only as a tropical storm. Recent trends raise critical questions regarding the behavior of hurricanes during late-season, particularly as warmer ocean temperatures have contributed to altered storm trajectories and intensities. The historical context underscores the rarity of November hurricanes, with only four recorded instances of hurricanes affecting the continental U.S. in November since 1851. While these storms are few, their impact can be severe, prompting heightened vigilance as climate conditions continue to shift.
The late hurricane season, especially in November, has historically been characterized by a decrease in storm formation due to cooler ocean temperatures. However, recent weather patterns suggest an abnormal rise in ocean heat content, maintaining conditions conducive to hurricane activity. Notably, hurricanes that have struck Florida in November are rare, with only three recorded landfalls since historical tracking began. Events such as Hurricane Nicole in 2022 exemplify the potential for late-season storms to occur as weather patterns evolve due to climate change.
In summary, hurricanes making landfall in Florida during November are exceptionally rare occurrences, with only three instances recorded throughout the history of tracking hurricanes. However, the intrusion of warmer ocean waters signifies a shift in typical hurricane patterns, potentially increasing the odds of future late-season storms. Awareness and preparedness become imperative as the increasing unpredictability of hurricane paths and intensities challenges traditional forecasts.
Original Source: www.staugustine.com
